Page 61 of Vito

As you know.

I grimace because I do know. Not because I'm part of a clean-up crew, but because this is Ohith's world and specialty—or it had been until he faked his death so we could leave this city with no ties to pull us back. He had done that for me, and look where I ended up—back in San Francisco, running Aiken's bar and needing his expert clean team services.

Let the good times fucking roll.

"Yes," Vito and I reply in unison to Ohith's question about digging the grave.

Ohith pauses and then says, "Vito Santoro. Eden mentioned two people from the Santoro family are there with her. I am assuming the second person is Raffaello Romani."

Vito's jaw is tight. He and Raf still don't know who is on the other line, but he answers, "You're correct."

Ohith hums, then continues, "Eden, I suggest you clean up. Then, go somewhere public where people can say they've seen you. The clean team will decontaminate your entire apartment. "

"I'll go back to Gilly's for a bit."

And just hand me the Golden Globe afterward, please.

"I'm clean," Raf says, meaning he doesn't have blood all over him, and he double-checks the bottom of his boots to make sure. "I'll go and get clean clothes for Vito. Even if there's anything here of Aiken's, it wouldn't fit Vito."

"Perfect," Ohith says. "Sounds like we're all set."

Perfect is the last word I'd use to describe this mess. I swallow my snark because the blood on my skin is itchy. The shower that's still running will feel heavenly.

"Boys," Ohith says. "One more thing… Do you have any idea who you're dealing with?"

Vito stares at me. "I'm coming to appreciate that I really have no fucking idea."

I brave myself. Not only because of Vito's mild accusation, but also because of what I know is coming.

"Many in your world knew me as Ohith."

Raf sucks in sharply, and Vito's eyes fly to mine.

"Master cleaner who contracted for many organized crime groups," Vito says slowly. "Until you were killed. Only it's rumored you didn't die and are actually…"

"Yes?" Ohith prompts.

"The Black Ghost," Raf breathes in awe.

"The deadliest assassin operating in the world right now," Ohith's voice is calm but cool. "I suggest you remember that when you're dealing with my daughter."

The call disconnects, and I look up through lowered lashes. "I guess you'll be wanting an explanation."

Vito grabs my hand so I can't move away from him. "You think?"

Raf points at me, walking backward toward the hallway. "Don't start without me. I'm going to get you clean clothes, Ed."

"Stay the fuck out of her underwear drawer," Vito barks.

Raf openly eyes my chest and quirks his brow at Vito. "With a rack like that, you think her having 'free-movement tits' is a better alternative than me seeing her panties and bras?"

Vito growls and flicks his hand at Raf, who laughs and disappears.

I don't even want to know what that exchange is all about. Raf probably has a fetish for stealing women's underwear.

"Why are you here, Vito?"

His scowl eases. He lifts one bloody hand, then drops it before he touches me. "I wanted to see if you were okay."

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